Local Schools Near Airi Acres, Okeechobee, 34974

Airi Acres is a community located in Okeechobee, FL, with the ZIP code 34974. Okeechobee is a small city in Okeechobee County, and the schools serving this area are primarily part of the Okeechobee County School District. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Airi Acres, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, and other factors like parent reviews. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a firsthand impression.

Since Airi Acres is a specific community within Okeechobee, I’ll focus on schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles, depending on zoning), as rural areas like this may require some travel to reach educational facilities. If you have a specific address within Airi Acres, I can refine the search further for exact zoning.

Schools Near Airi Acres, Okeechobee, FL 34974

Public Schools (Okeechobee County School District)

1. South Elementary School

   • Address: 2468 SW 7th St, Okeechobee, FL 34974
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Distance: Approximately 3-5 miles from central areas of 34974 (depending on exact location in Airi Acres)
   • Rating: 5/10 on GreatSchools.org (based on test scores and student progress as of recent data)
   • Details: South Elementary serves younger students in the Okeechobee area with a focus on foundational skills. Test scores are near the state average in reading and math. Parent reviews often mention a supportive environment but note room for improvement in resources.
   • Contact: (863) 462-5087

2. Osceola Middle School

   • Address: 825 SW 28th St, Okeechobee, FL 34974
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance: Approximately 3-6 miles from Airi Acres
   • Rating: 4/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: This middle school serves students transitioning to higher grades. Test scores are slightly below the state average, with some concerns about student progress in math. However, it offers extracurricular activities and has mixed parent feedback regarding teacher engagement.
   • Contact: (863) 462-5070

3. Okeechobee High School

   • Address: 2800 US-441 N, Okeechobee, FL 34972
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance: Approximately 5-8 miles from Airi Acres
   • Rating: 5/10 on GreatSchools.org; C rating on Niche (2023 data)
   • Details: The primary high school for the area, Okeechobee High offers a range of academic and vocational programs. Graduation rates are around 85%, close to the state average. It has sports teams (notably football) and some AP courses, though college readiness scores are moderate.
   • Contact: (863) 462-5025

4. Everglades Elementary School (Alternative for some zoned areas)

   • Address: 3725 SE 18th Terrace, Okeechobee, FL 34974
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Distance: Approximately 2-4 miles from parts of Airi Acres
   • Rating: 6/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: Another elementary option depending on zoning, Everglades has slightly better test scores than South Elementary in some areas, particularly reading. It’s a smaller school with a community feel, according to reviews.
   • Contact: (863) 462-5108

   Private Schools

   1. Okeechobee Christian Academy
   2. Address: 701 S Parrott Ave, Okeechobee, FL 34974
   3. Grade Levels: PK-12
   4. Distance: Approximately 4-6 miles from Airi Acres
   5. Rating: Not widely rated on GreatSchools; Niche gives it a B- based on limited reviews (2023 data)
   6. Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum. Class sizes are smaller, and it emphasizes moral education alongside academics. Tuition costs apply (contact school for current rates), and reviews suggest a tight-knit community but limited extracurriculars compared to public schools.
   7. Contact: (863) 763-3072

5. Rock Solid Christian Academy

   • Address: 401 SW 4th St, Okeechobee, FL 34974
   • Grade Levels: K-12
   • Distance: Approximately 4-7 miles from Airi Acres
   • Rating: Limited data; not widely rated on major platforms
   • Details: Another private, faith-based option with a focus on individualized learning. It’s smaller than public schools and may appeal to families seeking a religious education. Contact the school for enrollment and tuition information.
   • Contact: (863) 467-6991

   Charter Schools

   • There are no widely recognized charter schools directly in Okeechobee or near Airi Acres based on current data. Families interested in charter options may need to look toward larger nearby cities like Fort Pierce (about 40 miles away), though this may not be practical for daily commuting.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org (1-10 scale) are based on test scores, equity, and student progress, but they don’t capture everything (e.g., school culture or specific programs). Niche ratings (A-F scale) incorporate user reviews and additional metrics like diversity. Always supplement these with personal visits or conversations with current parents/students.
   • Zoning: School assignments depend on your exact address within Airi Acres. You can confirm zoning by contacting the Okeechobee County School District at (863) 462-5000 or using their online school locator tool (available on their website: okeechobeeschools.org).
   • Transportation: Okeechobee is a rural area, so bus services are available for public schools but may have limited routes. Check with the district for bus stop locations near Airi Acres. Private schools typically do not offer transportation.
   • Performance Trends: Okeechobee schools generally perform near or slightly below state averages on standardized tests (per Florida Department of Education reports). If advanced programs or higher performance are priorities, some families explore options outside the county or consider private education.

   Other Educational Resources

   • Preschools/Daycares: For younger children, options like Okeechobee Head Start (863-357-5799) or local church-based preschools are available in the 34974 area.
   • Homeschooling: Florida supports homeschooling, and Okeechobee has local support groups for families choosing this path. Contact the district for registration requirements.
   • After-School Programs: Some schools and community centers, like the Okeechobee County Boys & Girls Club, offer extracurricular and after-school care options.

   If you’d like me to dig deeper into a specific school, provide an exact address for zoning confirmation, or explore schools in a broader radius, just let me know! You can also visit the Okeechobee County School District website or the Florida Department of Education site (fldoe.org) for the latest report cards and updates.